The Sanibel Bayous Preserve issued this update concerning the opening of Blind Pass. 

This is very exciting news for all the bayous home owners.  The water quality, which is very good right now, will get even better!.  Sanibel Island real Estate on the north end should see a boost in values as the water is even better and there will now be a shorter trip to access the Gulf of Mexico. Check out the photo below of Blind Pass from an offshore prospective. You can see the large cranes at work.

Lee County Department of Transportation has decided to drop their plans to change the county toll structure, including the Sanibel Island Causeway toll.  After two public meetings, one on Sanibel and one in Cape Coral, and meeting with the Sanibel City Council this past Tuesday, they have decided not pursue their proposed changes.

The changes would have increased the toll expense for Sanibel Island residents and business owners considerably.  We are grateful that the Toll increase is off the table - at least for now.

Wow!  If it isn't tough enough these days to bring a buyer and seller of a great piece of Sanibel Island Real Estate together, the appraisal process these days isn't helping.  As many know, the rules were changed a couple of months back prohibiting any possible interference in the appraisal process by Mortgage Banks and Realtors.  The feeling was that part of the cause of our housing meltdown throughout the country was overly inflated appraisals that then allowed the banks to lend more money on a property than it was actually worth.  The resulting rules have brought the Real Estate market, across the country, to a virtual standstill.

Here on Sanibel Island we have had numerous "appraisal incidents" that have grossly under valued properties, the most agregious being when a direct access canal home was compared (or comped) to a lake front inland property.  This lack of understanding of the local real estate market has created a big headache for buyers, sellers, bankers and Realtors.  Take a look at this USA Today article for a full accounting of the issues and the move to correct the situation. 

Sanibel Island is known for sun, shells, lots of conservation property, bobcats and alligators.  A group of interested citizens are now working to make it known for something else - being leaders in the uses of renewable resources. 

I am chairing Sanibel Alliance for Renewable Resources (S.A.R.R.) and hoping that as many Sanibel residents and interested parties will join us as possible.  This make sense not only for the environment but also for the value of our property and the island.  It is totally in keeping with what makes the island special. 

The first initiative of the group is to educate and encourage the use of Solar Hot Water heating systems.  We feel that with all the sun energy available for free - this makes sense for the island.  Providers of these systems, including Advance Solar - are working with us to make this as affordable as possible, likely under $2,000 per system!  There are State grants and Federal Tax Credits available at this time to help the equation.  If you would like more information about the Alliance or would like to join us, please visit www.sanibelenergy.com.   To see our press release see Page 5 of the Island Sun

Sanibel Island's Lighthouse Beach has been selected as the top Family beach on the Gulf Coast by Men's Journal.  In their recent edition, Men's Journal ranked the 20 best beaches in America by location and best amenities.  They also categorized the beaches and Sanibel Island got the number one ranking in the Family Beach category. 

Anyone who has ever wanted a beach vacation knows that what makes a great beach is the sand, the water and the density.  Well, Sanibel Island is top of class in all of these.  This is also what makes Sanibel Island Real Estate a solid performer over the long haul.  There isn't anymore beach being made so the fact that Sanibel Island has such long stretches of uninterrupted beach makes it special. 

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are marking the days until Blind Pass is officially opened.  The current schedule is for the pass to be open July 25!.  On September 25th there will be a ribbon cutting to mark this historic event.  Be sure to mark your calendar!

 

 

        Completion of the project is expected in July. (Fingers crossed.)  Please join Lee County, the City of Sanibel and the CEPD for a commemorative ribbon cutting on Friday, September 25 at 10:00am.  Preparations for a special Captiva celebration are underway.  As we reunite for the season we will hold a grand family event including a small boat flotilla, food and fun.  Get your boats ready!